Unwilling to be beaten in the hybrid race by German taxi maker Mercedes-Benz, BMW will release a dual-fuel 7-series saloon in 12 months' time.
Dubbed the ActiveHybrid, the 750i-derived car contains a twin-turbo 4.4l V8 petrol engine that BMW says provides 407bhp and 442lb/ft of torque. The vehicle's electric motor bumps those …

Fire breathing BMW's

[QUOTE]Like Mercedes, BMW's planning to use a lithium-ion battery, and it remains to be seen how this notoriously temperature-sensitive technology copes with the heat being pumped out by that V8.[/QUOTE]

So does this mean BMW will be known as the maker of exploding cars in the future?

Maybe we should be welcoming the new additions that the Lizard Army overlords are introducing to sales reps around the world.

RE: Love it...

Pfft!

How would Li-Ion batteries take the heat of that V8? How about not having them at the opposite end of the car as all hybrids have done for many years now? Better yet, how about you sticking to talking only about what you?

Good

I wasn't the only one seeing this. Since these are industry leading manufacturers, I would expect to see more innovation out of them, rather than following the leader. Both BMW and Merc failed miserably for the next 3-5years on this. However, lets not forget, they cater to people where gas money is no object.

<5% electric

Go BMW! Show the eco-worriers how ridiculous it is to adopt an ad hoc green tax on transport, a congestion charge that became a chelsea tax that became a green-tinged hobby-horse. Two words that will swing almost any opinion are terrorism and environmental (ly friendly - ok, 3 words) no matter how silly the pretext. As long as the tiny motor is cost-effective for avoiding the various money grabbing eco-taxes around now then this sort of setup should sell in other markets too, roll-on the Tata with a 2hp motor that basically pumps raw sewage out of its exhaust. Even though 5% of the horsepower is fantastically low, I think it's tragic to have such a huge displacement FI engine and only get 400hp ... it should be twice that with ease. "Luxury brage department you have a phone-call from F1 dept. ..."

PH because she's got more electric-powered-hp in her vibrating night stick than that BMW.

407bhp?

20hp?

The electric motor is only (427-407) 20hp? That's just a slightly larger than normal starter motor. Its even more of gimmick to get your overpowered luxury barge past the London congestion charge than the Lexus RX400.